YREKA – Authorities have yet to locate the two persons of interest they believe burglarized the Siskiyou County Courthouse last February and made off with $1.25 million in gold, although Sheriff Jon Lopey said "arrest warrants are imminent."

Lopey stated, "We are declining to disclose their identity because that could compromise the investigation."

However, Lopey said he believes there is sufficient probable cause to obtain arrest warrants and the warrants will be executed in the near future.

On Jan. 15, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) executed two search warrants in Contra Costa County and two in Shasta County based on information they received after the board of supervisors voted to raise the reward for the arrest and prosecution of the burglars from $15,000 to $50,000.

While Lopey said officials collected possible evidentiary items during their searches, he declined to elaborate on the items that were seized. Authorities were unable to locate the two persons of interest during the searches.

"They have been uncooperative," commented Lopey.

He said officials "have an idea where they are," and he is certain the two persons of interest have strong family ties in the Bay Area.

He added that the SCSO has received a great deal of support in their efforts to locate the persons of interest from law enforcement agencies in both Shasta County and in the Bay Area.

"If we cannot find them our allied agencies will find them," said Lopey.

He explained that when they are arrested, their DNA will be tested to determine whether it matches the DNA discovered at the crime scene.

Lopey noted that the SCSO's resources have been spread thin with the rash of homicides in the county over the past year.

"My detective staff has had to shift priorities and they are multi-tasking because we have had so many major cases to investigate," he said.

However, he stated that he has freed up a team of detectives to work on obtaining the arrest warrants and taking the suspects into custody.

"Those responsible for this crime violated the sanctity of our courthouse, and stole a piece of our county's history," said Lopey.

He added that the pieces of gold were donated by families to keep Siskiyou County's heritage alive.

"Solving this case is a major priority and we will do just that in the very near future," said Lopey.

He reminds citizens that there is a $50,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the gold thieves.

Those who have information about this case may call the SCSO at 841-2911.